The days are apparently gone when employees who sought flexible work schedules to accommodate family needs did so at the risk of career advancement.
A survey of 1,200 working parents by Denver-based jobs site FlexJobs found that only 4 percent of respondents believe having a flexible schedule could be detrimental to their career. Not only has that concern disappeared, but among parents, being able to work a flexible schedule is more important that how much money they're paid.
"Now that both parents work full-time in nearly half of two-parent households in America, and single parents account for 26 percent of family households with children, flexible work arrangements are one of the most critical components to making the work-life juggle possible," says Brie Weiler Reynolds, senior career specialist for FlexJobs.
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The numbers are impressive: 91 percent say parenting has made them look for a job that offers a flexible schedule. And while not all have found that ideal job yet, 84 percent said when they do consider a new job or promotion, flexibility is the No. 1 factor in their decision. Salary came in third on the list, behind "work-life balance" but well ahead of health insurance, an employer's reputation, and retirement benefits.
What kinds of flexibility are today's workers looking for? Nearly 9 in 10 say they would like to telecommute full-time. Only half say they'd like to telecommute part-time. If they can't work remotely all the time, the next best option would be having a very flexible schedule. Half say they would be willing to work part-time to spend more time on family demands, and 42 percent say they'd be satisfied working as freelancers.
The reasons given for seeking flex time at work were fairly standard. The No. 1 was to achieve work-life balance (84 percent), with "family" cited by 83 percent. Others say they either wanted to "save time" (45 percent) or relieve the stress of commuting (43 percent).
It's not that parents are sick of work and are just doing it to pay the bills. According to the survey, nearly 7 in 10 say they want to work, but want to attend to family demands as well. Nine in 10 say they think they can easily manage a job and a family. And, if they had more flex time, 93 percent say they would increase their volunteerism with their children's school and other activities.
The study found that flex time is desirable for reasons other than dealing with the kids and all those related activities. Nearly 9 in 10 believe flex time would reduce stress and also help them save more money, and 78 percent say it would improve their health. Just about everyone say it would enhance their quality of life.
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
